Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, at 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Joy. Pastor Patrice will preach from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–24. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from Isaiah 64:1–9, and her sermon will be titled “Advent Waiting: Hope Against Hope.” Communion will be celebrated.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, at 7 pm
Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Harambe Room
Advent Through the Eyes of Those Who Waited: Mary’s Call in the Annunciation Part 3 of 4
The annunciation of Jesus’ birth to a small-town girl tells us much about God’s desires for the world. Kalyn Stevwing will lead us as we listen anew to this courageous young woman’s call from God, and Zechariah’s chat with Gabriel, guided by Luke 1:5–38.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
John the Baptist testified to the coming of Christ by saying: “Among you stands one whom you do not know.” The revelation of God in Christ is not readily transparent or recognizable. Yet ironically, in Christ, we may come to know strangers, foreigners, and even enemies with such intimacy that they may become dear friends. Join us for these Advent readings:
This week, our readings are: Isaiah 64:1–9; Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19; 1 Corinthians 1:3–9; and Mark 13:24–37.
Seekers | Chapel
Christmas Stories: Re-learning the Gospel with Matthew and Luke
Many of us know “the Christmas story” in the Gospels, but unfortunately, we often read it selectively. Dr. Tucker Ferda, visiting assistant professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will lead our examination of Matthew’s and Luke’s theological messages concerning Christ’s birth. We also will compare their stories to highlight their distinctive approach to the mission and person of Jesus.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
The Rev. Joe Hajdu, Shirley Fair, and Michelle Bard, will lead a beginning discussion of Richard Rohr’s Everything Belongs, chapter six.